When Forte returns, he must fill gaps in knowledge

Running back has new pieces of the playbook to learn under Mike Tice

When Matt Forte returns to the Bears, he'll have some cramming to do in his studies.

While nearly all of the running game remains unchanged from the last season, there is new language in Mike Tice's playbook that the Pro Bowl back will have to pick up.

"There's a little different terminology, but Matt is smart enough that he should be able to pick it up," running backs coach Tim Spencer said. "Some of our things we're doing with the same name. We're doing some of the same things with a different name, too. So once he masters that he should be OK. He should be very functional when he comes in."

Spencer said he has no doubt Forte will be on top of his game in blitz pickup, the key to playing on third down. Of course, the Bears have to get Forte to training camp to coach him up.

Asked if he hopes Forte gets paid with a long-term deal, coach Lovie Smith said "we want everyone on our team to be happy."

"The offseason is the time, if you have an issue with your contract, to take care of that," Smith said. "This is the offseason. That is how I have looked at it. Matt isn't here right now. He'll take care of his contract situation in time. We can't wait to get him back on the football field."

Asked if he'll be upset if Forte isn't in camp on time, Smith declined to speculate.

"Whatever is presented us during that time, we'll deal with it," he said.

QB cut: The Bears placed quarterback Nathan Enderle on waivers following the conclusion of minicamp Thursday. The 2011 fifth-round draft pick from Idaho was the choice of former offensive coordinator Mike Martz, who scouted him. His exit gives Matt Blanchard, the undrafted rookie free agent from Wisconsin-Whitewater and Lake Zurich, a chance to go to training camp as the fourth quarterback. If he impresses, he could challenge for a spot on the eight-man practice squad.

Extra points: The Bears also released offensive lineman Mansfield Wrotto, leaving the roster at 87, three short of the limit. … Rookie wide receiver Alshon Jeffery was sidelined again Thursday. … Undrafted free agent Jeremy Jones, who has been working at nickel back, had an interception with the second team. His $5,500 signing bonus was larger than any of the team's other undrafted free agents. … Jay Cutler looked to tight end Kellen Davis four times in the red zone near the end of practice. One was completed and two went off Davis' hands on diving attempts. They would have been highlight-reel grabs.